S05 TRME 4 2012 Market News_Layout 1 31/08/2012 12:33 Page 20
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Technical Review Middle East - Issue Four 2012
Market News
BRIEFLY ■ ZAMIL INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT Company (Zamil Industrial) announced that the company’s CEO, Abdulla M. Al Zamil, will serve on the founding board of Endeavor Saudi Arabia, the newest affiliate office of Endeavor Global, which will expand its efforts to select and service highimpact Arab entrepreneurs. ■ FBM TRADING LLC and Powertech Switchgear Industries FZE have become the first Authorized Value Providers in the UAE to distribute and provide technical expertise for ABB products. FBM will distribute ABB’s low voltage motors and Powertech is the first system integrator in the world for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) in the Authorized Value Provider Program (AVP.) ■ ALFANAR CONSTRUCTION HAS completed the commissioning of the first two GT Units at Hail-2 power plant – Extension III project six weeks ahead of the schedule.
Kuwait meeting peak electricity demands PHASE TWO OF the Sabiya combined cycle power plant project in Kuwait recently began commercial operation in time to meet the country’s peak electricity demands during the hot summer months. The government-owned Sabiya station is Kuwait’s largest power plant, which is using GE’s advanced gas turbine-generator technology, in combined cycle operations, to produce more than 2,000megawatts (MW) of additional electricity for the grid. Kuwait’s power demand is growing at approximately seven to 10 per cent per year, and at this rate, the country estimates it will reach national peak load demand of 25,000 MW by the year 2025. GE has been working alongside the government to drive operational efficiencies and capacity enhancements by providing its world-class technologies. Last June, six GE 9FA gas turbines initially operated in simple cycle mode to add nearly 1,400 MW to the grid when phase one of the plant was brought online. This recent upgrade to combined cycle mode (phase 2) boosted the plant’s output to more than 2,000 MW, increasing Kuwait’s power generating capacity by nearly 20 per cent. The combined-cycle conversion enables the plant to increase its output without any increase in fuel consumption, boosting its operating efficiency. The increased power adds capacity to the country’s power generation to help fuel Kuwait’s robust business and residential growth. “The successful completion of phase two of the Sabiya combined cycle power project is a reflection of the Ministry of Electricity & Water’s commitment to provide reliable electricity for the people of Kuwait,” said Joseph Anis, president and CEO, GE Energy for the Middle East. “Working closely with the ministry for over 40 years, this very important conversion project demonstrates our growing commitment to support the electricity needs of the country with efficiency enhancing solutions that are The Sabiya plant in Kuwait recently began commercial operations also more flexible and scalable.”
DSO launches Phase III of light industrial units DUBAI SILICON OASIS (DSO), the integrated free zone technology park, has launched phase III of its Light Industrial Units (LIU) with a ground breaking ceremony that paved the way for construction works of the US$8.83mn project. The ceremony was attended by Eng. Muammar Al Katheeri, Executive Vice President of Engineering Management at Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, Fadi Shehabeddine, Managing Director of System Construct, and senior officials from DSOA, System Construct, and Naga. Scheduled for completion in Q1 2013, the Light Industrial Units will include 22 full-facilities, flexible, modular and finished units that span over approximately 365 sq m. Each unit is set to house ground and first floor offices spreading over 150 sq m while the warehouse on the ground floor will cover almost 210 sq m. The light industrial units will boast hi-tech features to enable seamless and efficient operations across the office/warehouse buildings. In addition to structural, mechanical and electrical designed ceilings, the ready-for-occupation units will be equipped with an electronic sounder, complete fibre optic networking, as well as CCTV, 24-hour security and fire alarm system. Using eco-friendly and high-quality materials, the facility will meet green building specifications. NAGA, a multi-disciplinary planning and design firm that is a forerunner in developing urban environment, has been appointed as consultant for the project. System Construct, a recognised leader in construction, has been named primary contractor. In addition to the LIUs, DSO hosts a range of multiple-use warehousing and manufacturing facilities such as High Bay
Senior officials attended the ground-breaking ceremony
Warehouse Space and Operational Warehouse Space. Providing storage solutions for all kinds of businesses, Operational Warehouse Space features units with a racking height of 12 metres and an attached office space. Eng. Muammar Al Katheeri, said “This marks another milestone in DSO’s growth journey. In line with our strategy to create an advanced hi-tech eco system, the light industrial units will provide a ready-to-use and customisable solution for existing and potential clients looking to expand their businesses in the region. We are confident that provision of such infrastructure will help cement DSO’s position as a destination of choice for internationally recognised companies.”